The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is helping Filipino families prepare for the upcoming school year with the release of its 2024 School Supply Price Guide (Gabay sa Pamimili). This guide empowers consumers to make informed purchases by providing the price range for various essential school items.

“I urge consumers to buy school supplies from companies that comply with labeling requirements and use the Gabay in shopping. The Gabay indicates which SKUs have not increased or have retained their prices,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, according to Philippine News Agency.

The DTI monitored the prices of 176 stock keeping units (SKUs) this year, a significant increase from the 117 SKUs monitored in 2023. They said school supply prices are mostly stable.

Out of these 176 items, 80 (or 45%) maintained their prices, while 28 (or 16%) saw a slight increase. Prices for nine items (or 5%) even decreased. 

The guide details the price range for commonly purchased school supplies such as notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpoint pens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers. 

For instance, notebook prices range from P11.80 to P52. Pencils can cost anywhere from P11 to P33, and ballpoint pens range from P3 to P33.

The DTI also reminds consumers to check the labels of school supplies. The label should indicate the name and address of the manufacturer or importer. This ensures that consumers are getting legitimate products.

The trade department aims to improve the usefulness of the SRP Bulletin by making it more relevant to consumers. This will help them make better choices when shopping.

They also encouraged consumers to report any consumer-related concerns through their official channels. Consumers can reach out through DTI Consumer Care or the 1-DTI hotline (1-384).